Domestic violence help

Premier Colin Barnett hopes a new legal service for Aboriginal women in Perth will help reduce domestic violence.

ABC News

The State Government has committed $600,000 to set up a new legal service for Aboriginal women in Perth.

The service will provide domestic violence victims with legal advice and representation, counselling and education.

Premier Colin Barnett says similar services are available in country areas but this will be the first dedicated one in the city.

"I don't pretend that this is going to solve the problem but I very sincerely hope that it will provide better legal and support services for Aboriginal women in Perth and will also do its part in reducing domestic violence," he said.

An Aboriginal human rights lawyer has welcomed funding for the new domestic violence service.

Hannah McGlade says it is long overdue.

"Aboriginal women for 20 years now have been advocating for a service in Perth where a very high population live," she said.